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Above: (left to right) Seaman, Cardoza,
Walitsch. The VC defense against Mitty.
Defense Holds For 60 Minutes, Then Falls To Mitty 1/17
After
just one day of practice since the game with CCS #15 Serra (tied 2-2),
the Warriors hosted the CCS #3 team, Archbishop Mitty for another tough
WCAL game.
The weather was perfect for the match, but VC's lineup
had some unavailable players.
Star goalkeeper Austin Mansker was not available for
selection due to a concussion that he sustained in the game with Serra.
The coaching staff is hoping that Austin can return for Saturday's game
against Sacred Heart Cathedral, but it will depend on what the Dr's say.
"There is just no way we're going to risk serious injury
with any player, even one we need as badly as we need Austin," Coach
Basanese said.
The Warriors were also without starting center midfielder
Kevin Tarangioli, who has been out for two days with a fever.
"We really felt the effects of Kevin being out today. He's quietly
become one of the top players on this team, and the guys have a lot of
confidence in him. I hope he's drinking his orange juice and
airborne!" Coach Donny Fugate said.
The Warriors were also without senior defender Robert Norman who was at
DePaul for entrance interviews.
Despite the shuffled lineup, and missing players, the Warriors came out
inspired, sporting a 3 game unbeaten streak. The team has been
playing confidently and it continued today.
The first half was fairly evenly played with both teams having their
share of chances. Just before the end of the first half was called,
Mitty's star player Kevin Atkins rocketed a shot that was headed for the
back of the net...that is if it didn't fly straight into the stomach of
VC's 'keeper, Danny Hittler. The save may have been
fortunate, but Danny paid for it.
"In the locker room, he lifted up his jersey, and there was a red soccer
ball imprint on his stomach." Basanese said. "That kid gave us
everything he had today. I am really proud of Danny, and thankful
that he's willing to do what's necessary for the team, including taking
a shot in the stomach from one of the CCS' top players."
The game would go to halftime with the score tied at zero.
The second half saw Mitty apply pressure a little more, getting more
chances than VC. The Warrior defense played well all day, limiting
Atkins as best they could.
In the 60th minute, Mitty would finally break through. Mitty's
outside right midfielder brought the ball up the right side before
firing a cross that found the a Mitty player's head. Hittler was
well positioned, but the header found it's way just under the bar. 1-0
Mitty.
See the video of the goal here.
About 7 minutes later, Mitty would strike again.
A
nice move by a Mitty midfielder found their outside left midfielder wide
open. The ball was played to him, and a left footed shot found
it's way into the net. 2-0 Mitty.
See the video of the goal here.
"That second goal was a heartbreaker. I thought Joe got fooled a
little bit on the fake, and his man was wide open. The shot went
through Danny's legs, which was a little unlucky." Basanese said.
The game would end 2-0 in favor of Mitty, but considering everything,
the coaching staff was pleased with the performance.
"Don't get me wrong, you'll never hear me say I'm ok with a loss.
That said, I thought our defense was awesome today. Blake
(Cardoza) was all over Mitty's forwards, and Tyler and John played great
as well. We'll get back at it this weekend in San Francisco."
Basanese concluded.
The Warriors will travel to USF to play Sacred Heart Cathedral on
Saturday at 11am.
Photos from today's match were taken by John Basanese Sr. and
they can be found by clicking here.
VCSoccer.com Man of the Match: Danny
Hittler (GK)
| Archbishop Mitty |
0 |
2 |
2 |
| Valley Christian |
0 |
0 |
0 |
VC Starting Lineup: Hittler, Walitsch, Seaman,
Cardoza, Cordeiro, Reyes, Joseph, Rosa-Diniz, Gizzi, Alex de Leon, Fahmy
Game time: 3:15pm
Weather: Sunny 48 degrees |
